American Roulette

American Roulette is a classic casino table game popular across United States casinos and online sites. It follows the familiar spin-and-bet format, but the defining feature is the presence of two green pockets on the wheel: a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). That extra green pocket changes the payouts and the house edge, so knowing this helps you make smarter bets.

Where roulette started and how American Roulette evolved

Roulette traces back to 18th-century Europe, where French inventors refined wheel and table designs that resemble the game played today. As the game crossed the Atlantic, local casinos and players in the United States adopted the format and added the double zero to the wheel. That double zero became a signature of American Roulette, creating a distinct variant that spread through land-based casinos and later into online platforms.

American Roulette wheel layout explained

The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets in total. Those pockets include:

• Numbers 1 through 36, alternating red and black
• A single zero (0), colored green
• A double zero (00), also colored green

The alternating red and black numbering helps with visual tracking, while the two green pockets are the core mechanical reason American Roulette has a larger house edge than other variants.

How the American Roulette table is laid out

The table features a betting grid that mirrors the wheel's numbers, plus sections for outside bets. Players place chips directly on numbers, on lines between numbers, on grouped number boxes, or in outside areas labeled for red or black, odd or even, high or low, dozens, and columns. Dealers handle chips, spin the wheel, and announce winning numbers, while bets remain in place until the wheel stops and the dealer calls the result.

How to Play American Roulette

Inside bets — higher payout, tighter odds

Inside bets target specific numbers or small clusters of numbers on the grid. Common inside bets include:

• Straight Up — a single number.
• Split — two adjacent numbers.
• Street — three numbers in a horizontal row.
• Corner — four numbers that meet at a corner.
• Six Line — two adjacent rows, covering six numbers.

Inside bets pay more when they hit, because they cover fewer numbers.

Outside bets — lower risk, steadier play

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and pay out at lower odds, making them a common choice for players seeking longer sessions with smaller swings. Typical outside bets are:

• Red or Black
• Odd or Even
• High (19–36) or Low (1–18)
• Dozens (1–12, 13–24, 25–36)
• Columns (one of the three vertical columns on the grid)

These bets cover more numbers, which means more frequent wins at lower payouts.

American Roulette payout table

Payouts reflect traditional table rules; always confirm specific payouts and terms at the table or in the game rules.

Why the house edge is higher in American Roulette

American Roulette carries a house edge of about 5.26%, and that higher edge comes from the double zero. With 38 pockets, even even-money bets (like red/black) lose more often on average than they would on European Roulette. By comparison, European Roulette, with a single zero and 37 pockets, typically shows a house edge around 2.7%. That difference can matter over long play sessions.

Practical strategy tips for American Roulette

• Understand the odds before betting, and know how many numbers each wager covers.
• Use outside bets for lower-risk play and steadier bankroll movement.
• Manage your bankroll carefully, set limits, and separate entertainment funds from essentials.
• Avoid systems that promise guaranteed wins; roulette is a game of chance, and outcomes are independent each spin.
• Check the table's limits, and confirm rules for any special bets or side wagers.

These tips help you make informed choices and keep play fun and sustainable.

American Roulette versus European Roulette — quick comparison

• Number of pockets: American Roulette has 38 pockets, European Roulette has 37.
• House edge: American Roulette is about 5.26%, European Roulette is about 2.7%.
• Popularity: American Roulette dominates many United States casinos, while European Roulette is more common in Europe and in many online RNG tables aimed at European players.
• Gameplay and bets are largely the same, but the single versus double zero changes expected return.

Online American Roulette and live dealer options

Online players can choose between RNG (random number generator) American Roulette and live dealer games streamed from studios. RNG versions use software to determine outcomes instantly, offering fast play and lower table minimums. Live dealer versions stream a real wheel and dealer in real time, for a more authentic table feel and social interaction. For more on live dealer options and how they work, see our live dealer guide.

Top software providers offering American Roulette

Major developers that supply American Roulette titles and live table streams include Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live, NetEnt, and Ezugi. Each provider brings different studio features, user interfaces, and bet limits, so try a few to find the style and pace you prefer.

Mobile play — roulette on phones and tablets

American Roulette games are optimized for smartphones and tablets, with responsive layouts, touch controls, and the same betting options found on desktop. Mobile versions support vertical and horizontal play, fast bet presets, and secure transactions, so you can play legally and conveniently on the go, as long as you meet state or local access requirements.

Responsible gambling — play smart, stay in control

Set deposit limits, time limits, and loss limits before you start playing. Treat roulette as entertainment, not a way to make money, and seek help if gambling stops being fun. Check the site's terms and conditions for responsible gambling tools and support resources.

American Roulette FAQ

American Roulette is straightforward to learn, and the extra double zero is the single change that shapes its odds and strategy. Play with awareness, use the lower-risk bets if you want longer sessions, and always check the table rules and terms and conditions before you wager.